Below is a list of some of the best entry-to-mid-level 3D printers in 2025, and a list of pros and cons for each.

All pricing is expressed using a simple relative scale:

• $ = Entry-level pricing
• $$ = Mid-range pricing
• $$$ = Upper mid-range pricing

Flashforge Adventurer 5X (AD5X)

Price: $$
Category: High-speed, multi-color FDM

Why it stands out

The Adventurer 5X is Flashforge’s high-speed, multi-color-capable machine and the more advanced sibling to the 5M. It offers quick CoreXY-style performance, multi-color filament switching and an overall feature set above entry-level printers.

Pros

• Multi-color printing capability
• High-speed motion system
• Solid price-to-performance value

Cons

• Moderate build volume (220×220)
• Multi-color printing benefits from tuning

Best for

Hobbyists who want to step into multi-color printing and faster production without paying premium-tier prices.

Flashforge Adventurer 5M

Price: $
Category: Entry-level mid-budget FDM

Why it stands out

The Adventurer 5M focuses on simplicity and reliability. Its easy setup, stable performance and low running cost make it ideal for beginners and education settings. It also has recently been available for some very attractive pricing, making it an easy choice for first, or even third printers!

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Low maintenance
• Good everyday performance and speed

Cons

• Lacks multi-color support
• Not as fast as some CoreXY competitors
• Moderate build volume (220×220)

Best for

Home users, students and classrooms that value reliability and simplicity, or more advanced users willing to work around some limitations.

Bambu Lab P1S

Price: $$$
Category: Upper mid-level enclosed FDM

Why it stands out

The P1S is fast, enclosed, and capable of producing stable results with advanced materials. It’s one of the most well-known and recommended mid-range hobby printers on the market.

Pros

• Fast, accurate printing
• Enclosed chamber for better material stability
• Highly refined software and ecosystem

Cons

• Higher cost
• Some proprietary parts and workflows
• Some aspects are aging and not keeping up with the competition while it maintains a premium price

Best for

Hobbyists and makers who want an enclosed, high-performance machine without stepping into pro-tier pricing and who want access to the Bambu ecosystem.

Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo

Price: $$
Category: Mid-level, feature-rich FDM

Why it stands out

With a larger build volume and a solid set of features, the Kobra S1 Combo is ideal for users who want to scale up beyond entry-level printing.

Pros

• Larger build area
• Good print consistency
• Strong value for intermediate users

Cons

• More setup and learning than beginner models
• Not as refined as higher-end system

Best for

Users advancing into bigger or more functional prints.

Creality Hi Combo

Price: $
Category: Entry to mid-level, multi-color capable

Why it stands out

A budget-friendly choice with multi-color capability, the Hi Combo brings creative potential to users who don’t want to invest in higher-end multi-color printers.

Pros

• Affordable multi-color support
• Respectable speed
• Good overall value

Cons

• Less polished than higher-tier machines
• May require more manual adjustment

Best for

Budget-conscious hobbyists wanting to experiment with multi-color prints.

Creality K1

Price: $
Category: Entry-friendly high-speed FDM

Why it stands out

The K1 offers an appealing blend of high speed and accessibility, making it a strong first “serious” printer.

Pros

• Excellent speed for the price
• Easy to grow into
• Strong print consistency

Cons

• Smaller build volume than mid-range models
• Limited premium features

Best for

Beginners who want a fast, future-friendly starting point.

Summary

• Budget tier ($): Creality K1, Creality Hi Combo and Flashforge Adventurer 5M.
• Mid tier ($$): Flashforge Adventurer 5X and Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo.
• Upper mid tier ($$$): Bambu Lab P1S for those wanting an enclosed, high-performance machine with room to grow.

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